Dietitian (Clinical)

Description:

Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) position within the Clinical Section of NFS serving as the medical nutrition expert. They are autonomous in their work in applying evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community.

Requirements:

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) - Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
  • Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). May only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential.
    • Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following:
      • Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent. Foreign Education: To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. ~ AND~
      • Completed an ACEND accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director that conveys eligibility to take the CDR registration exam as a prospective RDN. A list of ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory .

Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements.

Grade Determinations :

Dietitian (Clinical), GS-07.

• Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR
• Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college. ( TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED )
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • (a) Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
  • (b) Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
  • (c) Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
  • (d) Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • (e) Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
  • (f) Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
  • (g) Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.

Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11.

• Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • (a) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
  • (b) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • (c) Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
  • (d) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
  • (e) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
  • (f) Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team
• Experience utilizing the Nutrition Care Process to develop individualized nutrition plans of care for patients with multiple comorbidities
• Experience with teaching of outpatient classes and hands-on cooking demonstrations

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/154 PART II APPENDIX G20. DIETITIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0630 Veterans Health Administration October 14, 2022

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: " The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds ."